A Woman Overcame Smoking Addiction Cold Turkey After Nearly 50 Years Without Cigarettes
At age 37, a woman who smoked four packs of non-filtered cigarettes every day decided to quit cold turkey. Nineteen years ago, she had set her goal to stop a month before the actual quit date and was successful in overcoming the addiction. She credits being brave and strong for following through with her decision.
Today, products like gum and patches are available to help ease nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The American Cancer Society hosts an annual event called the Great American Smokeout, which encourages smokers to refrain from smoking for one day, then build on that momentum over time. Many former smokers have quit using this method, and it is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 20.
Meanwhile, a woman in Massachusetts shares her concerns about a close friend who has been involved with another man after 20 years of marriage due to her husband's health issues. The disappointed friend feels uneasy about the situation and wonders how she can remain supportive without judging her friend's actions. Abby advises being a supportive friend while avoiding passing judgment, suggesting that if the friend doesn't want to discuss the matter further, she should let them know.
In another letter, someone in Canada expresses frustration with people who consistently cancel plans at the last minute due to better offers. Abby recommends reevaluating friendships based on such behavior and suggests planning ahead to minimize disappointment.
In a lighthearted note, Dear Abby shares two of her favorite cookbooks that are available for purchase.
At age 37, a woman who smoked four packs of non-filtered cigarettes every day decided to quit cold turkey. Nineteen years ago, she had set her goal to stop a month before the actual quit date and was successful in overcoming the addiction. She credits being brave and strong for following through with her decision.
Today, products like gum and patches are available to help ease nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The American Cancer Society hosts an annual event called the Great American Smokeout, which encourages smokers to refrain from smoking for one day, then build on that momentum over time. Many former smokers have quit using this method, and it is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 20.
Meanwhile, a woman in Massachusetts shares her concerns about a close friend who has been involved with another man after 20 years of marriage due to her husband's health issues. The disappointed friend feels uneasy about the situation and wonders how she can remain supportive without judging her friend's actions. Abby advises being a supportive friend while avoiding passing judgment, suggesting that if the friend doesn't want to discuss the matter further, she should let them know.
In another letter, someone in Canada expresses frustration with people who consistently cancel plans at the last minute due to better offers. Abby recommends reevaluating friendships based on such behavior and suggests planning ahead to minimize disappointment.
In a lighthearted note, Dear Abby shares two of her favorite cookbooks that are available for purchase.
. I think it's amazing that she was brave enough to try and did it without any help. And you know what's even more inspiring? She had done it before 19 years ago, so she must've been pretty determined back then 
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. I mean, come on! If you're going to make plans, follow through with them, ya know? It's all about being supportive and understanding, but also setting boundaries, like Abby said 
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That's dedication and bravery right there. I've known people who try those nicotine gum and patches and they don't seem to work for them. But she just went straight into quitting mode and looks back on it as the best decision ever made 
Like, seriously tho, 19 yrs b4 she tried & failed, but dis tym shes da boss & doesnt wanna be held back by nicotine 
. And yaaas, those gum n patches r a lifesaver! 
u gotta try dem out when u're feelin weak. Anyways, i'm all about supportin ur friendz thru life's ups & downs 
. If u cant handle the drama, u can always set boundaries or just step away from it 
. Don't 4get, u deserve b4 u judge someone elses life choices 
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That's insane! I mean, I've been trying to cut back on my own coffee consumption and now she's a non-smoker? 
Can't we all just be more considerate and plan ahead? 
. btw, i saw that great american smokeout thingy on facebook, cant wait 2 see ppl takin action against smokin 
And btw, I love that she set her goal 19 years ago... that's like having a plan B plan for quitting, LOL! 
I'm not buying it. I mean, have you seen those nicotine patches? They're like Band-Aids for your brain. And what about all the gum out there? Just a bunch of marketing nonsense if you ask me. A 19-year gap between quit attempts? That's just a recipe for disaster. What about all the withdrawal symptoms and anxiety that come with it? It's not like quitting smoking is going to be easy, folks. Mark my words, we're just delaying the inevitable. And don't even get me started on those "Great American Smokeouts". Sounds like a clever way to guilt trip people into quitting...
. Like, what even makes you think you can just stop all at once? I've had my fair share of trying to quit, but I always end up with a cigarette in my hand 
. And yeah, those products like gum and patches can be super helpful too 
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Easy peasy! 
. I've seen people use gum and patches to ease the withdrawal symptoms, but this woman just went for it and succeeded 
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. And omg, canceling plans at the last minute is so frustrating 
, I mean 50 years without cigarettes is like trying to quit an entire lifetime of bad habits at once. It's amazing she was able to do it and now people have all these new products to help ease the withdrawal symptoms 
. It just goes to show that quitting isn't easy but with the right mindset and support, anything is possible 
Abby seems like a super cool grandma figure 
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. Just being there for her and not judging is key, you know? Don't push her to talk about it if she doesn't want to, just let her know you're there for her.
. Planning ahead is a good idea, and if someone keeps doing that, maybe they need to reevaluate friendships too?